historic ties with the United Church of Canada.

But supporters of cutting links need a daunting 75 percent vote in favour.

And it is thought unlikely they can muster up enough backing to reach that target.

They could, however, drive a damaging wedge through the local churches. Some 900 members of the Island's methodist churches can take part in the referendum. It will be held at the Wesley Methodist Church in Church Street, Hamilton.

Counting starts at 4.30 p.m., and the result should be known by about 8 p.m.

The referendum follows fears about the perceived liberal attitudes of the United Church of Canada.

It is thought problems began when British Columbia allowed the ordination of a homosexual. No church, however, is understood to have accepted the man, even though he has completed his seminaries.

Among the members of the Bermuda Methodist Synod are secretary Mr. Peter Hardy, Acting Cabinet Secretary Mr. Leo Mills, Mr. Gilt Tucker and Dr. Don Campbell.

Said Mr. Peter Trott, chairman of the synod: "There are a number of people who feel the views of the Canadian church are too liberal.'' He said there were also worries that the UCC was too distant from problems affecting the Island.

He explained that the two churches had linked up in 1930. "At that time we were getting and receiving leadership of ministers from Canada.

"The views of the methodists and the Canadian church seemed to be compatible.'' Mr. Trott, a member of the Wesley Methodist Church, added: "It is my own wish for the union between the churches to remain.

"I don't want to prejudge the result, however. Everybody will have a chance to vote their own way.'' Mr. Trott said if there was a "yes'' vote, the Island's four Canadian ministers would be given one year's notice.

One methodist clergyman, who did not wish to be named, said a split was unlikely. "There is a significant group who are disenchanted with the UCC, and want to break away.

"But a 75 percent vote is probably too great a hurdle to climb.'' The minister said he believed in the ordination of homosexuals, but considered it a "red herring.'' He added liberalism was only part-explanation for the move to split.

"Some people also want more Bermudian black ministers,'' he said.

Yesterday, one of those calling for a split accused the UCC of turning its back on the Bible. "Presently I don't think the UCC serves any useful purpose in Bermuda at this time.'' The man, who did not want to be named, said society, now more than ever, needed to return to the Bible.

"The UCC are deviating from Bible truths, and hanging more on the tradition of men rather than what the Bible teaches.

"The UCC's doctrines are based more on tradition.'' He said the UCC preferred to rely on its own "intelligentsia'' to distinguish right from wrong.

"There is certainly a need for us to form our own independent methodist church. This is something I feel very strongly about.'' Asked about the likely outcome, he replied: "I think it will be close, although I do have some worries. Some people have a tendency to want to stick to the status quo.''